BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Col. Steven Kirkpatrick, 307th Bomb Wing commander, issued his fifth update regarding the unit’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an email here, April 23. Below is the full text of the update:
307th Bomb Wing Airmen,
We continue to perform our mission here with the new Formal Training Unit class flying their first mission yesterday and our second wave of medical personnel deploying to New York City to support hospitals there. As we ensure our people are trained and ready, we must continue to take prudent measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Local commanders are empowered to take necessary precautions, because the virus is unique in every situation and every location. The 2nd Bomb Wing Commander is maintaining the Public Health Emergency declaration for Barksdale with a few changes.
There can now be gatherings in homes as long as there are 10 or less and at least six feet of distance is maintained. Military personnel on and off base can order items off base and do curb side pick-up only. They may still not go inside stores off base. Also, the local pass policy is a maximum range of six hours by car. No Reservist may come to Barksdale from beyond that commuting distance without an approved Exception to Policy letter. All previous declarations remain in effect such as a face mask in public, stay at home unless obtaining food, medicine, medical treatment or reporting to work.
Please continue to be vigilant; protecting our people remains our top priority.
Steven Kirkpatrick, Col, USAF
307th Bomb Wing Commander